National League One
Cinderford 18
Blackheath 17
GUTSY Cinderford came back from a 17-0 deficit at the break to snatch a stunning win in their quest for National League One survival.
On a heavy, leg-sapping pitch, Blackheath adapted to the conditions much the better and were soon on the scoreboard when full-back Danny Jillions came into the line on a perfect angle and raced under posts for a try which Sam Windsor converted.
More pressure on the Cinderford line saw Windsor kick a penalty to make it 10-0 to the visitors after 24 minutes.
With Mark Davies recalled by Bristol, Cinderford were forced to move Dave Knight to fly-half and bring Rob Winchle into the centre.
The home side had plenty of possession but simply could not hold on to the ball.
Blackheath took advantage of another turnover to score a crucial try right on the half-time whistle.
Electric winger Tyson Lewis sprinted clear to score from 50m out after Cinderford lost their own line-out ball. Windsor added the conversion.
Cinderford needed an early second-half score to stay in the game and they got it.
Winchle just made it over the line for an unconverted try.
Blackheath certainly did not help their cause by picking up three yellow cards as Cinderford continued to press forward.
Second-row Vanner was sin-binned in the first-half with number eight Jope and winger Stephenson following suit in the second-half – all for technical offences.
Cinderford winger Paul Boston showed great strength to cut back inside and force his way over in the 51st minute. Trigg's conversion brought the match and the crowd to life.
It was all Cinderford in the final quarter and a Trigg penalty 10 minutes from time cut the deficit to 17-15 and set up a grandstand finish.
Blackheath briefly got into the Cinderford half, but the Foresters were not to be denied.
With 80 minutes up on the clock the hosts were awarded a penalty which Trigg calmly slotted to clinch a famous comeback win.
Cinderford: Danny Trigg, Nevaro Codlin, Rob Winchle, Dewi Scourfield, Paul Boston, Dave Knight, Sam Brown, Paul Price, Sam Wilkes, Chris Bundy, Mark Rimmer, Ed King, Luke Allen (capt), Adam Nicholls, George Evans. Reps: Chris Hall for Sam Wilkes 65mins, Steve Price for Chris Bundy 65mins, Reuben Haile for Dewi Scourfield 65mins, Dave McKee for Luke Allen 68mins. Not used: Luke Carter.